Chewy Butter Pecan Cookies

Prep Time: 30 minutes (active); 3+ hours (inactive)
Cook Time: 11-12 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 3 hours 42 minutes
Yield: 2 dozen cookies
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: N/A

Ingredients:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups pecans, roughly chopped, toasted
• Sea salt (optional)

Preparation:

1. Place the pecans in a pan or skillet over medium heat and toast on the stove, stirring occasionally, for 5-10 minutes, or until fragrant, but not burned.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a large bowl or using a mixer, beat the room-temperature butter for 1-2 minutes, or until creamy and fluffy. Add both white and brown sugar and beat for 2-3 minutes, or until the mixture lightens in color.
4. One at a time, beat in the eggs, waiting until each is fully incorporated before adding the next one. Then, mix in the vanilla extract.
5. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, being careful not to overmix. Fold in the toasted pecans.
6. Wrap the cookie dough tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate it for 2-3 hours or up to 3 days. When ready to bake, remove the dough from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes.
7. Preheat your oven to 350º F and line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.
8. Use a spoon or a small scooper to scoop 1 tablespoon of dough and roll it into balls. Place the dough balls on the prepared cookie sheets and repeat with the remaining dough. If desired, sprinkle the tops of the dough with flaky sea salt.
9. Place the baking sheets in the oven and bake for 11-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly browned. The centers will be soft.
10. Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool for 5 minutes on the baking sheet before transferring them to wire racks.

Enjoy your delightful Butter Pecan Cookies!